Director of Community Development and Housing

SUMMARY

The Director of Community Development and Housing provides strategic, operational, and visionary leadership for the Grand Traverse Band's housing, community development, and infrastructure-related planning initiatives within the Infrastructure Division. This senior leadership position is responsible for advancing safe, affordable, and sustainable housing opportunities for tribal members while supporting long-term community development on tribal lands. The Director oversees federally funded housing programs, development projects, and planning activities in alignment with tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and Tribal Council priorities, and works collaboratively across divisions to support coordinated infrastructure growth.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Community Development, Public Administration, Real Estate Development, or a related field required.
• Minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressive experience in housing, community development, or real estate development, including at least five (5) years in a management or leadership role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal housing programs and regulations, including NAHASDA, IHBG, HUD requirements, and tribal housing policies.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex development projects, construction initiatives, and multi-million-dollar budgets.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and intergovernmental coordination skills.
• Knowledge of tribal sovereignty, federal Indian housing policy, and government-to-government relations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all housing and community development programs serving tribal members.
• Administer and ensure compliance with federal housing programs, including NAHASDA and IHBG, in accordance with HUD regulations and tribal policy.
• Develop, implement, and update comprehensive community development and housing plans aligned with tribal strategic goals.
• Oversee housing construction, rehabilitation, maintenance, and capital improvement projects.
• Manage rental assistance, homeownership, mortgage, and housing support programs for tribal members.
• Coordinate planning and development of housing-related infrastructure in collaboration with the Public Works Director and Infrastructure Division leadership.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and tribal housing regulations, building codes, environmental requirements, and accessibility standards.
• Prepare, manage, and monitor departmental budgets, grant funding, and financial reporting for housing and development programs.
• Coordinate with the Tribal Planning Commission, Infrastructure Director, and other stakeholders on land use planning and housing development initiatives.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with financial institutions, developers, contractors, funding agencies, and governmental entities.
• Oversee required environmental review processes for housing and development projects in coordination with the Natural Resources Division.
• Conduct housing needs assessments, manage waiting lists, and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Supervise and support housing department staff, including project development, occupancy, administrative, and maintenance personnel.
• Prepare reports, analyses, and presentations for Tribal Council, CEO, and Infrastructure Director related to housing needs, program outcomes, and development initiatives.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with developers, contractors, consultants, and service providers.
• Coordinate housing development activities with Legal Affairs, Natural Resources, Environmental staff, and the Land Records Officer.
• Lead community engagement and outreach efforts related to housing planning and development in coordination with Tribal Citizen Engagement.
• Ensure quality control, safety standards, and performance expectations are met across all housing projects.
• Manage housing loan default prevention, foreclosure mitigation, and compliance monitoring programs.
• Promote sustainable, energy-efficient, and culturally appropriate building practices for tribal housing.
• Coordinate with utilities, county, state, and regional agencies on infrastructure planning and service connections.
• Collaborate with Facilities Management, Public Works, and Automotive departments within the Infrastructure Division.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Visionary leadership skills with the ability to develop and implement long-term community development strategies.
• Strong project management expertise with the ability to oversee multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Financial acumen including budget development, grant administration, and fiscal oversight.
• Knowledge of real estate development, construction management, and property operations.
• Understanding of environmental regulations, land use planning, and building code compliance.
• Excellent negotiation, contract management, and partnership development skills.
• Grant writing, reporting, and compliance experience.
• Strong intergovernmental relations and collaboration capabilities.
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness of tribal housing needs, values, and community priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to coordinate housing initiatives with broader infrastructure and community development functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Community Development, Public Administration, Real Estate Development, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Ten (10) or more years of experience in housing, community development, or real estate development, including at least five (5) years in senior management.
• Direct experience administering NAHASDA, IHBG, or other federal Indian housing programs required.
• Experience working with tribal governments or demonstrated understanding of tribal housing systems essential.
• Background in construction management, real estate development, or infrastructure planning preferred.
• Professional certifications such as AICP, PHM, CPM, or similar credentials desirable.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required.
• Regular travel throughout tribal lands and to housing and development project sites.
• Occasional travel to conferences, HUD regional offices, training sessions, or intergovernmental meetings.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to pass a criminal history background investigation and drug and alcohol screening.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality, ethical standards, and GTB fiscal and personnel policies.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly supervises housing department staff including Project Developer, Project Coordinators, Lead Occupancy Specialist, Occupancy Specialists, Administrative Assistant, Housing Utility Workers, and Maintenance personnel.
• Responsible for hiring, performance management, training, and professional development of housing staff.
• Oversees and coordinates the work of contractors, developers, consultants, and vendors engaged in housing and development projects.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

• Desktop and laptop computers.
• Standard office equipment including printers, copiers, scanners, and mobile devices.
• Project management, financial, and database software.
• Construction plans, safety equipment, and field inspection tools.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Combination of office-based work and on-site field visits requiring varied physical activity.
• Ability to access construction sites, including walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and navigating unfinished structures.
• Ability to lift and carry up to thirty (30) pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods as required by work assignments.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

• High-level strategic thinking, planning, and complex problem-solving.
• Analytical skills for financial review, project feasibility analysis, and compliance oversight.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.
• Sustained attention to detail for contract, regulatory, and policy review.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Professional office environment within the Infrastructure Division, with frequent site visits to housing and development projects.
• Standard business hours with flexibility required for evening Tribal Council meetings, community meetings, or project-related activities.
• Site visits may involve exposure to construction environments, weather conditions, and unfinished properties.
• Professional business attire in office settings; appropriate safety gear and field clothing required for site visits.
• Occasional travel for conferences, training, HUD coordination, or intergovernmental meetings.

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a criminal history background check with no felonies or serious misdemeanors and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval from the Director of Human Resources.